A colleague told the Sunday People: “Staff work is not his greatest strength. He’s more of a field soldier.

"That’s why he loved Afghanistan.”

The fourth in line to the throne, who did two tours in Afghanistan, will have to plan ceremonial parades such as Trooping the Colour and Remembrance Sunday plus coordinating official state visits from foreign dignitaries.

But the Eton-educated prince, who has A-levels in art and geography, fears his work will be sent back covered in “red ink” corrections.

He is hoping for a good clerk to cover his back.

The source said: “Harry joined the Army to lead men in battle, not to sit behind a desk pushing papers.

Close: Harry and Cressida Bonas (Image: KGC-81/KGC Photo Agency LLP)

"But if you want a career in the Army you have to do your stint as a staff officer.”

At least Blues and Royals officer Harry’s job will mean he can spend more time with girlfriend Cressida Bonas, 24, although their relationship may be in trouble.

One officer who ­recently finished a staff job said: “Harry will be bored.

"The hours there are long and as the ­junior officer in the team he will be the dogsbody.

"Staff jobs like this can often feel like a punishment.”

Army head General Sir Peter Wall has told Harry such jobs are ­unglamorous but critically important to a soldier’s career, said the source.

But Harry’s new role will give him time to work on his plan to bring the Warrior Games – where injured ­military personnel compete in Olympic-style events – to London.

Also Harry could ­one day return to the Army Air Corps ­regiment – where he spent three and a half years training and ­flying Apache copters – as a squadron ­commander or a ­commanding officer.